The Sikh community kitchen that serves free meals is called langar. It is a defining Sikh institution in which food is prepared and served collectively to everyone, regardless of religion, caste, gender, wealth, or social position.
Langar is commonly associated with the gurdwara and is supported by voluntary service, or seva. People may contribute ingredients, cooking, cleaning, serving, or donations. Those eating often sit together in rows, a practice traditionally called pangat, emphasizing equality and shared participation.
Langar is more than a charitable meal: it expresses Sikh teachings about equality, humility, hospitality, and service. Pangat refers specifically to the line or communal seating arrangement, while seva means selfless service more broadly. These related terms should not be substituted for langar when identifying the kitchen and meal tradition itself.